While there have been a number of decently-priced netbooks around, the HiVision MiniNote has got to be the cheapest one we’ve seen. At $98, you can get yourself a netbook with 1GB flash storage, WiFI, SDHC card reader, 3 USB ports, and runs on a Chinese distro of Linux called Xip. Don’t go looking for an Intel Atom here because that’s expensive. This one runs on an MIPS processor, and if you think that will hold back, think again.
Based on the video we’ve seen, it looks pretty good and responsive. That’s probably because it’s running on Linux, but with its specs, you’d be crazy to install Windows on it. Sure, its design doesn’t look too original and it lacks a webcam, but come on; most netbooks look alike these days and how often do you use those crappy webcams anyway? For $98, you get a decently performing netbook with some change to spare for, let’s say, a new iPod Touch perhaps?
Dan Ackerman says the Inspiron Mini 9’s (8.9-inch Inspiron netbook) bigger keys and removal of dedicated function keys may work in the Inspiron Mini 9’s favor. The 4-cell battery also seems impressive on first impression. Speakers is nice for a netbook and screen, from the video review, looks good, too, and because its a glossy screen customers looking for a netbook with glossy screen may have no other choice besides the Inspiron Mini 9.
Also check out Notebookreview’s comprehensive look at the Mini 9. The Ubuntu comes pre-loaded with everything you need and homepage looks fantastic.
The Neo Vivid 1100 may just be another netbook with a Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor from an anonymous manufacturer but the pricing and specs may just hit the spot for consumers in the Philippines. For just $25 more than the lowest-speced Aspire One, you get 1.6GHz of processor speed, 1GB of RAM, a webcam and 120GB of storage space. For another $25, you can add another 1GB RAM. This is almost the exact same specs of the system I bought 3 years ago and for three times the price. Color available: white, pink, yellow and black and all of them creamy.
Update: you will only get a trial, yes, trial version of Windows XP.
Dell has simplified matters, redubbing the formerly Inspiron 910 to the Inspiron Mini 9,. The basic Obsidian Black configuration begins at $349. It will run on Ubuntu and will have no camera or Bluetooth. Of course, since it’s a Dell, you can configure the Mini 9 to run XP and include Bluetooth 2.1 and a 1.3 MP webcam, not to mention higher RAM or color it Alpine White for an extra $25. The 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, the 8.9-inch 1024 X 600 LED screen and 802.11gWiFi is the same in all configurations. The Dell Inspiron Mini 9 system has disappointed quite a few observers with its less than stellar keyboard and a price range that is significantly more expensive than a similarly speced Aspire One.
According to the Wall Street Journal the Dell Inspiron 910 will already be made available to consumers this Thursday. The Inspiron 910 netbook will fetch a price below $400. Box.net will come pre-installed for online storage. The Inspiron 910 will come in either Ubuntu and XP flavors.
The Dell Inspiron 910 was first scheduled for an August release but first week of September isn’t bad either.
After several false alarms regarding its release, there’s confirmation that the Dell Inspiron 910 is going to be released this week. This is Dell’s entry into the netbook category and while there have been rumored specs floating around on what the Inspiron 910 will carry, Dell reps have refused to confirm it and have said that it’s “pretty much rumor and speculation”. Well, hopefully, this news of the Inspiron 910’s release isn’t just another false alarm, and Dell’s finally pushing through with it. If you’re wondering what’s the difference between the Inspiron Mini and the 910, they’re one and the same.
Personally, the issue with the specs, I feel that Dell’s just doing some damage control. Features such as an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor, 512MB or 1GB RAM, SSD or HDD storage, built-in megapixel camera and WiFi are pretty much standard fair nowadays when it comes to netbooks. Unless Dell is planning to include something new in this mini iteration of the Inspiron, these are more or less the standard features you can expect from a netbook including the Dell Inspiron 910.
We revealed to you guys just recently that LG and Fujitsu are coming out with netbooks of their own. While previously it was just specs and pics that were available, people who went to the IFA in Berlin got a chance to see these upcoming netbooks in the flesh. Thank God for the internet and YouTube (as well as T3 and Sascha of Eee PC News.de), even if weren’t there in Berlin, we’ve got these short hands-on videos of the LG X110 and the Fujitsu Amilo Mini to enjoy.
Aside from the Amilo Mini, news has it that Fujitsu is going to release yet another netbook in the form of the M1010. It’ll feature an 8.9-inch display, 1.3-megapixel camera, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and will weigh only 2.2 lbs. It’s scheduled for a 4th quarter debut in Asia, but aside from the specs which is, to be honest, quite limited and generic, neither a picture nor estimated price is available to work us into a frenzy.
There’s also this bit of info that the Amilo Mini might only be release in Europe which makes us wonder, with the immense growth in the netbook industry, why limit a product to a particular region only? The only other company that comes to mind that did that exclusivity approach (for a limited time only, of course) was Apple with their iPhone, and the Amilo Mini is definitely no iPhone. If Fujitsu sticks to this approach, I doubt they’ll make much of an impact in this segment of the market.
We had our doubts about the U2010 being Fujitsu’s netbook offering, and we were right as the Amilo Mini Ui 3520 set to be released this year. It’ll feature a 1.6GHz Atom processor, an 8.9-inch display, 1GB RAM, and either 60GB or 80GB HDD. Windows XP will be its OS and it’ll also be the first netbook to come with an ExpressCard Slot.
LG’s netbook, the LG X110, meanwhile, will feature a bigger 10-inch screen, 1GB RAM, optional 3G connectivity, and choice of either 120GB or 160GB HDD. The speed of the Atom processor was unspecified. This one’s expected to be released in October.
Both netbooks are scheduled to debut in Europe first with a starting price of 399 Euros (roughly $600) which doesn’t make it at all as affordable as the Asus Eee or Acer Aspire One. With the netbook bandwagon slowly becoming overcrowded, new players should think of bringing something new to the table especially if they’re going to charge more because quite frankly, I’m not willing to pay several hundred more just for additional HDD space.
Veering away from the popular Eee PC line, Asus has come out with N10. Just by its looks alone, you can certainly tell that it doesn’t carry any resemblance to the premier netbook line of Asus, and its specs, so far, is as impressive as its new look. It’s expected to come with a 10-inch display with a max resolution of 1024×600, WiFi, Bluetooth, Altec Lansing speakers, HDMI out, a finger-print scanner, card reader, and a 1.3-megapixel camera.
